This is a coaching video I made on how to do a proper overhead stroke using forearm pronation and upper arm rotation. This stroke should be used for clears and smashes. Stick-smashes (half-smashes) can use more wrist, though ideally you still want to use the same stroke to be more deceptive and consistent. Drops should use the same set up but can be sliced or brushed instead of being hit square on.

Before you start practicing the stroke, make sure that you double check your grip! If you are using a bevel grip or a panhandle grip, there is no way you can imitate the motions of this stroke.

The four steps:1. Reach forward with your elbow2. Extend your forearm (when your elbow is roughly in the plane of your shoulder)3. Pronate your forearm and rotate your upper arm so that you are contacting the shuttle squarely with the racket face pointed in the direction that you want the shuttle to travel (no slice), while simultaneously tightening your fingers4. Follow through by pulling your racket across your body as if you were sheathing a sword

Tips to help you practice:1. Use a mirror and practice in SLOW MOTION2. Record a video of yourself yourself with a digital camera or video camera, and play it back in slow motion. Then compare to this video3. Find someone with the correct technique and stand side by side with them and swing VERY VERY VERY SLOWLY. It should take you 5-10 seconds to complete your stroke.4. Only when you are very comfortable with the stroke itself should you attempt to hit the shuttle. Your first few hits should NOT travel straight... otherwise chances are you're doing it incorrectly (this will depend on how incorrect your technique was before you tried to change it).